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 Like us on Facebook! (Advent Lutheran Church ELCA - Charlotte, NC)
Advent's Vision
We are Advent Lutheran Church. As diverse children of God, we strive to be the embodiment of that which God wants all people on earth to be. We love the Lord our God with all our heart, soul, mind and strength. We love our neighbor as ourselves, and express this love in service to others.
By accepting God's gift of grace through our faith in our Lord Jesus Christ, we are reconciled to God forever.
Welcome Reception for Harriett Easley our new Church Administrator
As many of you know, Harriett Easley recently joined the Advent staff as our new Church Administrator after the retirement of Ann Schado. To give everyone a chance to meet Harriett, there will be a reception this Sunday, February 3rd, between services starting at approximately 9:45am after the early service in the Gathering Space. Harriett brings a wealth of experience to the position and is making the transition very smoothly. Please plan to stop by on Sunday to welcome Harriett, introduce yourself and get to know her.
Jubilee! Pr. Nancy Visits Sunday Feb. 10
Advent's 50th Anniversary celebration continues on Sunday, Feb. 10, as we welcome Pr. Nancy Kraft as our speaker. Pr. Nancy was co-pastor, along with Pr. Dick Little, from March 1998 through June 2005. She then served as pastor at Holy Trinity in Charlotte from 2005-2016, and is now pastor at Ascension Lutheran in Towson, MD. Join us for worship at 8:30 or 11, and for our "Pastries With the Pastor" breakfast at 9:45 in Orinson Hall.
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February: Meats & Pastas
For the cold month of February, the food pantry needs hearty foods like canned meats and pastas (with meat). Think canned chicken, beef, corned beef, beef stew, Spam, sardines, tuna, ravioli, spaghetti, and beefaroni. It has come to our attention that many visitors to the food pantry do
not have can openers, so we ask that you choose items with pull tabs. Thanks for your contributions!
Germany - Passion Play 2020
Living Saviour Lutheran Church is planning a trip in September 2020 to the German town of Oberammergau and some Luther-related sites. The Oberammergau Passion Play is given every 10 years in response to a vow made during the plague in 1633. The Pastor of Living Saviour, Angela King Powell, is the tour host for this 12 day tour from September 1 thru 12, 2020. The cost is $3899 per person for the land portion of the tour. Airfare is to be
determined, as it cannot be booked this far in advance. A deposit of $350 is required with your reservation, which should be made soon, to guarantee a place in this tour. Other payments will be required later in 2019 and in 2020. For details of the itinerary, see documents on the Gathering Space table or Barb Blish at 1-703-431-0585 or [email protected]. Barb has picture books of a past visit to Oberammergau.
February is Heart Health Month
Are you taking care of yourself: exercising daily and making healthy food choices?
"Live Abundantly"
Advents Health Ministry Team
Room in the Inn
Room in the Inn is just about at our half way mark for the season. We've met some amazing folks, hugged on a 3 & 8 week old baby, served some delicious food, handed out cough drops, cried during worship and so much more. Please consider finding out how you can be involved; we've got 8 more scheduled Mondays to go. The sign up sheet in the Gathering Space is begging for more names (truth be told, WE are begging for volunteers). Specifically for Monday Feb 4th we need breakfast, a sleepover, morning van driver, blue blanket washer and morning clean up. Some of our volunteer opportunities are behind the scenes as well as our needs for hands-on each Monday night. YOU can do it, yes YOU! Questions? We've got answers - check with Caroline 704-608-8474, Esther 727-614-6063, or Abby 704-598-9080.
Dates needed: February 6, February 27
Niner United
Please honor us with your presence at the Annual Loy Witherspoon Award reception. The award celebrates the vibrancy of campus ministry at UNC Charlotte. This will be held at Advent Lutheran Church on February 21st at 7pm. No RSVP is needed.
Please also consider our 2019 Holy Land Pilgrimage which is open to all students, alumni, faculty, staff, and friends of Niner United.
Music with Mars
Youth and Children of all ages are invited to spend a musical hour each Friday evening with Mars and Pastor Ward! This will take place every Friday at 6:30 in the Sanctuary. All that is required is a willing heart (no musical skills necessary)! Please email them at [email protected] and [email protected] if you would like to attend.
SOUPER BOWL OF CARING 2019
Sunday, February 3 is the SUPER BOWL - Patriots vs Rams, but more important it is the SOUPER BOWL OF CARING. This mission started more than 29 years ago in Columbia, SC and over $143 million has been raised for local charities since. Through this mission, our younger youth learn what's it is like to make a positive difference in our community as they collect funds to shop for food and to assemble Advent Has Heart Bags. They look forward to contributing to this worthy cause every year. Last year we were able to collect $463 for Advent has Heart Bags and the Advent Pantry. This Sunday the Kids 4 Christ and Mustard Seeds youth groups will be collecting money to go towards Advent Has Heart Bags after each service. Look for the Youth holding soup pots and please contribute generously.
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Readings
February 3rd, 2019
The Fourth Sunday after Epiphany
Nehemiah 8:1-3,5-6,8-10
Luke 4: 14-21
Serving this week
:
Feb 3, 2019
Lay Assistant
8:30am Lenore Watson
11am John Basilice
Usher Captain
8:30am John Lewis
11am Jon Eklund for Abby Bostian
Reader
8:30am Jennifer Frisina
11am Eric Heberlig
(Reading: Jeremiah 1: 4-10)
Greeters
8:30am Joyce Veit & Tim Caldwell
11am Don Hagerman & Jon Eklund
Acolytes
8:30am Marti & Andi Honeycutt
11am Michael Goerke & James Hebert
Altar Guild
Diane Large & Cathy Bolen
Counters
Don Veit & Marc Jensen
Bread
Cathy Bolen
Feb 10, 2019
Lay Assistant
8:30am Andy Hagle
11am Angie Martin
Usher Captain
8:30am Tim Taylor
11am Ed Efird
Reader
8:30am Freda Christ
11am Debra Efird
(Reading: Isaiah 6: 1-8 [9-13])
Greeters
8:30am John Lewis & Michelle Hagle
11am Connie Searing & Pat O'Rourke
Acolytes
8:30am Abby & Brooke Hibbeler
11am Colin Heberlig & James Hebert
Altar Guild
Lisa Droste & Susan Casper
Counters
Tim Caldwell & Dick Kuklentz
Bread
Joan Moeller
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 Advent Album
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Week 42:
Our church's ecumenical reach is deep and wide. In 1974, we shared a building with Mayfield Baptist. In 1983, we had our first Eucharistic celebration with the Episcopal community. We kicked off a Covenant developed with St. Thomas Aquinas Catholic by a shared service at their location in January 1992, followed by a chili supper at Advent. In the Covenant, we agreed to pray and worship in joint services, work together in areas of common ministry, and provide opportunities to understand each other's beliefs. Shortly thereafter we began a Palm Sunday tradition (which lasted over a decade) of a Blessing of the Palms service held outdoors at a spot between our two churches, with our members marching back singing hymns in the streets. St. Thomas Aquinas has been a constant partner in our Room In The Inn venture, which currently also includes Newell Presbyterian and Harrisburg United Methodist. University Baptist helped at one point. In 2016, we joined them in a diaper drive for Hurricane Matthew victims. At times we've even shared our facility with the Jewish community! We've logged decades of uniting with other denominations through our Campus Ministry. Binding us together is our unwavering love of God!
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Quick Links
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Spiritual Development
Looking for a good read?
2018 Advent Book Club - all welcome
*We meet at the University Panera at 6pm
TBD: A Wrinkle in Time by Madeleine L'Engle
Spiritual Practices
Our small group on Spiritual Practices is off to a great start! Our first meeting centered on a visual form of prayer which was designed to help those of us whose minds may turn prayer thoughts into worries. Another week, we learned about both the monastic and scholastic forms of Lectio Divina. Lectio Divina means sacred reading and is an ancient form of spirituality that traces back to the first century. Our deep dive into Psalms 46 yielded new revelations for each person in the group.
Enter the Story
Eugene Peterson, translator of The Message, writes: "Stories are the most prominent biblical way of helping us see ourselves in 'the God story,' which always gets around to the story of God making and saving us." What better way to continue growing in your relationship with God than immersing yourself in the sacred stories of the Bible! Starting in January, we will facilitate Enter the Story, which is a hands-on, fully participatory, multisensory opportunity to experience the biblical story through 7 interconnected lessons. The class is designed for adults and high school youth. Please contact Carol Schierlmann or Pastor Ward to let us know you would like to participate.
| Month |
Day |
Time |
Activity |
Location |
| Feb 6 |
Wed |
6:00-8:00 |
Israel's Journey - Enter the Story |
Orinson |
| Feb 27 |
Wed |
6:00-8:00 |
Tabernacle - Enter the Story |
Orinson |
| Mar 13 |
Wed |
5:30-6:30 |
Lenten Meal |
Orinson |
| |
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6:30-7:00 |
Lenten Service |
Sanctuary |
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7:00-8:30 |
Journey to the Cross - Enter the Story |
Orinson |
| Mar 27 |
Wed |
5:30-6:30 |
Lenten Meal |
Orinson |
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6:30-7:00 |
Lenten Service |
Sanctuary |
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7:00-8:30 |
Journey to the Cross - Enter the Story |
Orinson |
| Apr 10 |
Wed |
5:30-6:30 |
Lenten Meal |
Orinson |
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6:30-7:00 |
Lenten Service |
Sanctuary |
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7:00-8:30 |
Restoration - Enter the Story |
Orinson |
Adult Sunday School - Parlor Class
January schedule for Advent's Parlor Class (all are invited - class starts at 10 a.m.):
Feb 3 - Max Lucado, "Unshakable Hope"
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Nurture, Support & Fellowship
Communicate and Connect:
Join the closed "Advent Friends" Facebook group to stay abreast of events and see photos.
If you would like to receive occasional important Advent news via text message on your phone, please text 'Advent' to 96362 or scan the QR code on the notices posted around the building. (Please note: you must be at least 16 years of age to participate in the program. You may receive up to five (5) text messages per month for which you may be charged by your mobile phone carrier. You may opt out of this service at any time by texting 'stop' to 96362 or by emailing [email protected].)
When shopping on Amazon.com, use "SMILE"
Don't forget - when shopping on Amazon, access the site through
http://smile.amazon.com/ch/56-1182420 , and simply do all of your Amazon on-line ordering through Smile.Amazon. Amazon will donate 0.5% of what you buy to Advent - not much, but if you're shopping anyway with Amazon, why not use Smile. Every penny will be used in service to God and His people.
Benefit Adventure Preschool - re-link your Harris Teeter VIC cards - #5494
Hot Dogs and Homework has kicked off!
The second semester tutoring ministry with our Robinsdale neighbors kicked off with a dinner and orientation session on Sunday, Jan. 27. To volunteer contact Jennie Henderson at
[email protected] or Abby Bostian at
[email protected].
Help Advent Celebrate 50 years of Worship and Service.
Several men told me "What goes on behind the scenes of the Men's BBQ, STAYS behind the scenes of the Men's BBQ!" But I was able to tease out a few good stories of 50 years of Advent BBQ's! Read about them at
adventlutheranlore.blogspot.com
Big Dreams...Believers Give Generously
Because of your generosity, one of Advent's three BIG DREAMS is becoming a reality: to market Advent to the community by upgrading the Advent website. A special committee has formed to work with Perry Productions, to implement Phase I of this project [launch date in early 2019]. Our website is a 21st Century tool that will help us proclaim the Gospel to many more people who are seeking a community where ministry, hope and grace are abundant.
Please check your church mailbox for a letter giving you a brief financial statement of your support for the first quarter of the new fiscal year which began July 1, 2018.
Please renew your intention for making Christ known as you support Advent's many ministries through your giving on a regular basis. If you realize that you are a bit behind, there is time to catch up! Won't you consider the convenience of automating your giving? For additional information, please contact Claude Ingolia, Financial Secretary, at
[email protected].
Stewardship for All Seasons Steering Committee.
Wednesday Night Dinners
As we prepare for another great adult and youth Wednesday program in the winter/spring, we have identified 4 nights that we need a team of folks to coordinate meals prior to the programming. This is a
 time of fellowship and we would love to be able to offer a meal. Do you have organizational skills OR cooking skills? This could be handled 2 ways - get a confirmed count each week, take an order for take out, pick up the food and handle the money OR get the count, get the groceries, prepare the meal and handle the money. This could be a great way to plug in your gifts to contribute nourishment to your Advent family.
Dates needed: February 6, February 27
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Outreach
If you wish to financially aid those devastated by hurricanes, wildfires, earthquakes, or other natural disasters, Lutheran Disaster Response will directly reach the victims. To donate, go to
www.elca.org/disaster or i
f you prefer, make your donation payable to Advent with disaster relief in the memo line, and we will send your contribution in with any others received.
You can donate to provide aid in the area of greatest need or to a need you specify.
Room in the Inn
Room in the Inn is just about at our half way mark for the season. We've met some amazing folks, hugged on a 3 & 8 week old baby, served some delicious food, handed out cough drops, cried during worship and so much more. Please consider finding out how you can be involved; we've got 8 more scheduled Mondays to go. The sign up sheet in the Gathering Space is begging for more names (truth be told, WE are begging for volunteers). Specifically for Monday Feb 4th we need breakfast, a sleepover, morning van driver, blue blanket washer and morning clean up. Some of our volunteer opportunities are behind the scenes as well as our needs for hands-on each Monday night. YOU can do it, yes YOU! Questions? We've got answers - check with Caroline 704-608-8474,
Esther 727-614-6063, or Abby 704-598-9080.
Dates needed: February 6, February 27.
50 Hours of Service
Social Ministry has a vision: brightly colored hands throughout the Gathering Space reflecting the 50 Hours of service from each member during our Jubilee year.
What do you do?
* Give God, your church, your fellow humans an hour of service.
* Select a colorful hand from tables in the gathering space,
* Record each hour of service on a finger - When you have five hours (one on each finger), tape the hand in the Gathering Space. Write your name on the hand or remain anonymous
* Continue recording each hour of service until you have posted 10 hands (five per hand for 50 hours).
* There are NO service police! If it is service to you, it's service to God.
Watch our hand collection grow!
Giving envelopes in the pews
Advent appreciates all gifts, but we also want to give credit where credit is due! If you give cash using the blank envelopes in the pews, please put your name on the envelope so we can properly record your donation. If you want part or all of your gift to go to any special fund other than the General Fund, please note that on the envelope also.
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Youth at Advent
Summer Reading
Crazy right? The weather just turned chilly and I am talking about summer. Hear me out. Next summer,we would like to have a summer reading program for the kids and youth. Consequently, we would like to start building a library for them. So....when your school has a book fair or when you are cleaning out your book shelves and find a few gems that your kids have outgrown, think of the Advent Library! If we start now, by June we should have a nice selection.
UPCOMING YOUTH EVENTS
BYG camp at Camp Agape
MILESTONE AND YOUTH GROUPS AT ADVENT
KIDS 4 CHRIST
The Kids 4 Christ youth group is for children Kindergarten through 2nd grade. This group celebrates several milestones, including First Communion and Blessing of the Backpacks. We meet once a month to learn and enjoy the fellowship of others in our group.
MUSTARD SEEDS
The Mustard Seeds youth group is for children 3rd grade through 5th grade and also meets once a month. We celebrate our 3rd grade Bibles milestone. In addition to monthly meetings, there are other opportunities throughout the year including BYG camp and Youth Quake.
MIDDLE SCHOOL/Route 67
The Middle School youth group is for youth 6th grade through 7th grade and prepares students for entering confirmation. We celebrate our Mission and Service Milestone. This group includes fellowship, study, mission and BYG-er camp.
CONFIRMATION
This group meets throughout the year for two consecutive years as they learn about what it means to be a Christian and a Lutheran. They explore the Bible, Christian history and faith development.
HIGH SCHOOL
This group ranges from fellowship to mission trips. We have a dynamic schedule to accommodate busy high school students grades 9
th
-12
th
.
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Prayers Requested
Before adding someone to our prayers, please be sure you have the person's permission. Please let us know when prayers may no longer be needed. Names will be removed from the list after two months unless updates are received. An asterisk (*) after a name means an update is needed.
Illness or Other Needs
Austin, Andy Thiemann's cousin
Lemont Bell, Gene Reid's friend
Arlene Bostian, Phil Bostian's mother
Hanni Braun, member
Claudia Brizzaoara
Ida & James Chisolm, members *
Cindy Clayton, Janet Rasmussen's cousin *
Ray Clayton, Janet Rasmussen's cousin *
Steve Currin, Janet Rasmussen's cousin *
Carol DiRe, member
Kailyn Douglas, friend of Lisa Robinson
William & Lesley Ensley, Janet Rasmussen's friends
Eileen Folkerth, Susan Goerke's mother
Jennifer Gazda, member
Barbara Gillet, Linda Miller's friend
Dwight Hartsell, member *
Walter Hartshorne, Debbie Poovey's uncle
Kiersten Hathcock, member
Phuong Huynh, Ann Schado's niece
Dean Jarrett, Carol Schierlmann's uncle *
Dick Kuklentz, member *
Brittany Lane, Ann Schado's daughter
Teresa Ledford, member
Richard & Phyllis Lester, Sharon Thrower's parents
Brody James, friend of Andy & Lisa Robinson
Ray Matthews, Jesse Priser's father
Justin Mertz, Diane Jowers' nephew
Mertz Family, Diane Jowers' family
Rick Messina, member
Joe Moeller, member
Jason, Renee & Maxwell Moore
John & Alice Olenchuk, friend of Lisa Robinson
Jesse Priser, member
Margaret Rader, Michelle Hagle's aunt
Jay Richardson, known to Joyce Veit
Richard Schulz, Dan & Jan Otolski's brother-in-law
Pam Simyon, Mary Lou Kuklentz' daughter-in-law *
Rob Simyon, grandson of Dick & MaryLou Kuklentz
Myra Steele, Jennifer Frisina's sister-in-law
Ted Thiemann, Andy Thiemann's brother *
Doug Tilden
Harold Twitty, member
Edna Wagshal, Karen Montaperto's mother
Joshua Waits, friend of Andy & Lisa Robinson
Martin Waits, friend of Andy & Lisa Robinson
Todd & Janine Waits, friend of Andy & Lisa Robinson
Deb Walton, cousin of Laura Williams
Ware Washam, SarahSue Hardinger's friend
Herbert Watson, Member
Helen Webb, Mary Lou Kuklentz' family member *
Robin Whitley
Beverly Williams,member
Bob Williams, uncle of Mike Williams
Laura Williams & family, member
Lewis Williams, member
Renaté Wilson, Tanya DeGrace's mother
Manohar
Births
Deaths
We remember and celebrate the lives of those who have died, especially
Aaron Hank, brother of Annette Nolan.
Always keep ELCA Presiding Bishop Elizabeth Eaton and NC Synod Bishop Tim Smith in your prayers.
or 704-549-1555 ext. 101 or Harriett Easley at [email protected]
or 704-549-1555, ext. 100 for additions or updates to this listing.
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